Find a short video or podcast that significantly contributes to your understanding and thinking about your social justice issue. In this essay, you should introduce the source, explain why you chose it, and analyze how it contributes to the controversial issues that you have been exploring thus far.

QUESTION

Purpose

Thus far in the semester, you have been working with traditional written sources. However, written text is not the only way we collect and convey information, especially in our digital age. This assignment will challenge you to expand your research scope, and analyze an alternative source.

Task

Find a short video or podcast that significantly contributes to your understanding and thinking about your social justice issue. In this essay, you should introduce the source, explain why you chose it, and analyze how it contributes to the controversial issues that you have been exploring thus far.

Source

Keep in mind that anyone can create a video or podcast, so always filter the source through your credibility checklist. You must include the hyperlink for the source so it can be viewed by others.

Helpful Hints

Early in your essay, briefly introduce your topic; introduce your short video or podcast; and provide relevant context for the source. In the body of your essay, summarize and analyze key ideas in the source; discuss how the source fits with what you already know about your social justice issue; and analyze how the source is different from a traditional written text and how any differences might contribute to your understanding of your topic. At the end of your essay, explain what this source contributes to the conversation about your social justice issue; compare how this source fits in with your previous research; analyze how the source influenced your thinking about your topic; and explain what someone would gain from viewing this source.

ANSWER

Expanding Perspectives: Analyzing a Podcast on Social Justice

Introduction

In our digital age, information dissemination has transcended traditional written sources. This essay explores a thought-provoking podcast that significantly contributes to the understanding and analysis of a social justice issue. The chosen source is a podcast episode, “Breaking Barriers: Navigating Gender Inequality in the Workplace,” hosted by Empowerment Matters. The podcast delves into the complex and controversial topic of gender inequality in professional environments. The episode can be accessed at [hyperlink to the podcast episode].

Context and Reason for Choosing the Source

Gender inequality remains a prevalent social justice issue, affecting individuals in various spheres of life. To gain a broader perspective on the topic, I opted for this podcast episode. Empowerment Matters is a reputable platform known for promoting inclusivity and empowerment, which aligns with my credibility checklist (Fielding-Miller et al., 2020). Additionally, the audio format presents a unique opportunity to engage with content in a different manner, offering an auditory experience that allows for emotional connections and nuanced storytelling.

Summary and Analysis of Key Ideas

The podcast episode features interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds who share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in overcoming gender inequality. The guests discuss topics such as unconscious biases, glass ceilings, and the importance of allyship. The personal narratives and firsthand accounts provided throughout the episode humanize the issue, making it relatable and compelling.

Comparing with Traditional Written Text

Contrasting with traditional written sources, the podcast brings the topic to life by incorporating authentic voices, intonation, and emotion (Carrotte et al., 2023). This auditory medium enables listeners to grasp the nuances of the speakers’ experiences and empathize with their struggles. The conversational format also encourages active listening, making it easier to absorb and reflect on the information being presented.

Contributions to the Conversation and Research

This podcast episode contributes to the ongoing conversation on gender inequality by shedding light on individual experiences within the workplace. It emphasizes the urgent need for structural changes to address systemic biases and promotes the significance of allyship in creating inclusive environments. When compared to written texts, the podcast offers a personal and human touch that resonates deeply with the audience.

Influence on Thinking and Personal Growth

Engaging with this podcast episode has greatly influenced my thinking about gender inequality. It has reinforced the fact that gender-based discrimination extends beyond statistics and is deeply ingrained in workplace dynamics. The firsthand accounts shared in the episode have provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of gender inequality. Moreover, it has underscored the importance of actively working towards dismantling such barriers to create a more equitable society.

Value for Others

By listening to this podcast episode, viewers can gain a multifaceted understanding of gender inequality in the workplace. They will be exposed to diverse perspectives and real-life anecdotes that humanize the issue (Diversity Goes to Work Podcast, n.d.). The personal stories shared in the episode help cultivate empathy, encourage self-reflection, and motivate individuals to become advocates for change. It serves as a catalyst for deeper conversations and action surrounding gender equality.

Conclusion

Incorporating alternative sources of information, such as podcasts, expands our understanding and analysis of social justice issues. This podcast episode on gender inequality in the workplace has provided valuable insights, challenging preconceived notions and sparking meaningful discussions. Through personal narratives and a conversational format, the episode has offered a unique and enriching experience, contributing significantly to the conversation on social justice and influencing my own perspective. Embracing diverse forms of media allows us to explore complex topics in a more holistic and empathetic manner, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.

References

Carrotte, E. R., Hopgood, F., Blanchard, M., Groot, C., & Phillips, L. J. (2023). A New Podcast to Reduce Stigma Against People Living with Complex Mental Health Issues: A Co-Design Study (Preprint). JMIR Formative Research, 7, e44412. https://doi.org/10.2196/44412 

Diversity Goes To Work Podcast. (n.d.). William & Mary School of Business. https://mason.wm.edu/news/diversity-goes-to-work-podcast/index.php 

Fielding-Miller, R., Hatcher, A. M., Wagman, J. A., Rotheram-Borus, M. J., & Upadhyay, U. D. (2020). Gender, justice and empowerment: creating the world we want to see. Gender, Justice and Empowerment: Creating the World We Want to See, 22(sup1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2020.1736843